Advocacy Alert: Women’s and Family Protection Act
Support the National Women’s Shelter Network (NWSN) in requesting a federal funding expansion for shelters and safe haven programs for women and children.
ABOUT NWSN:
The National Women’s Shelter Network, Inc. (NWSN) is a growing nationwide network
of women’s and family shelters and safe haven programs promoting policies, programs, and
resources that advance the safety, health and wellness of women and children experiencing or at risk of homelessness transition successfully to stable homes. NWSN currently represents 380+ women’s and family shelters and safe haven programs, partners, and allies.
BACKGROUND:
Nationwide, over 1 million women and 2.5 million children experience homelessness
every year – and these numbers are on the rise. HUD recently recorded the largest ever year over year increase in their point in time (PIT) count of persons experiencing homelessness in 2024 at 18%. Homelessness is devastating for everyone, but for the most vulnerable it can be deadly. Women and children are at higher risk for gender-based violence such as abuse and trafficking. More than 90% women experiencing homelessness have a history of severe physical or sexual abuse at some point in their lives. An estimated 1 in 30 children will experience homelessness in their lifetime with the majority under the age of 6 in single, female headed households.
Shelters are the first responders in this nationwide epidemic of homelessness hitting
women, children, and seniors the hardest. The specific needs of women and children differ from
other homeless populations – and general facilities may not be equipped to address this support.
Trauma-informed care, age-appropriate mental health support, and physically secure environments are just some of the factors that set NWSN’s women’s and family organizations apart.
LEGISLATIVE PROPOSAL:
NWSN supports federal legislation authorizing a set-aside within the Emergency
Solutions Grants program designated for organizations who are specifically serving the
needs of women and children experiencing homelessness. The direct grants can be used to
support operating costs, stabilization services, and support services designed to help the high
special needs populations of women and children who are experiencing homelessness, gender
based violence, and other traumatic experiences. Funding would cap at $505 million over 5 years
inclusive of grants, technical assistance, and evaluation. We are asking offices to serve as leads
and original cosponsors for this Women’s and Family Protection Act.
If you are interested in reading the full proposal you can find it here.
Take action by sending your message to Congress through the NWSN platform.
